Does anyone know if you can safely freeze already prepared formula? I've kept a stockpile of the 3oz Carnation GoodStart ready-to-feed bottles (cuz I had really good coupons) and will be mixing it with rice cereal as we start to feed our daughter. I don't want to waste the formula as we will only need 1 ounce at a time, and it's only supposed to be good for 24 hours in the fridge. So I was hoping to be able to freeze it in 1 oz portions. I normally breastfeed her but don't have any milk pumped as it's pretty difficult for me so her doctor said the formula would be good for that.
I was hoping to hold off starting cereal for at least another month, but she's having trouble gaining weight due to reflux and could use the extra help. I've dealt with pretty severe reflux with one of my other children so I'm no stranger to that, I just didn't know what to do about the formula that I've already got in my pantry!
Thanks for all the great advice! I didn't even think to check if there was a number to call! I called the customer service line and they did say that already prepared formula can NOT be frozen. They also told me that powdered formula needs to be consumed within 30 days of opening the can! Again thanks!
You could always use water instead of formula caues that would get expensive. I actually used to just make the powered formula cause then you can make it as needed but I thought I used water for the rice cereal.
D.,
I am not certain about freezing formula, I wouldn't do it. Ask your doctor. However, I also have a four month old who has reflux. My doctor has him on 1.5 milliters of Zantac twice a day and that seems to help him out. I noticed with him that breest milk made his reflux worse, so I have mixed half soy and half regular Similac together and he doesn't throw up as much. With regular Similac he was throwing up. My doctor suggested the same thing adding ceral to his milk. My son was ok eating it, it is just as night he started screaming like he was in serious pain so after a few trials and errors I realized it was the ceral causing him to scream for two hours in pain at night so I do not give him anymore rice ceral he's strickly on Formaula one scoop soy and one scoop the other, I also feed him like every two hours, he drinks anywhere from 3-4 oz. and he's a happy baby and at night he sleep about 4-5 hours without waking. It is scary having an infant with Reflux, I don't take my eye off of him, because he does throw up and it scars me. Good luck, I hope you find the answer to your frozen formula question
Unfortunately the premade formula bottles like that are not freezable. I know its a waste, but its not recommended to freeze them. Using the powdered version is a little more economical and you can make the amount that you will use right away. I know how hard it is to get a "refluxer" to gain weight. My daughter went through the same problems. Just be patient.
I don't be live that you can freeze formula. I think it kills some of the nutrition in the formula. It think it say on the can do not freeze. Call your doc to be sure.
I'm responding with the reflux part of your message even tho you didn't ask any questions about it. Both of my grandchildren had reflux and their mother had them sleep in their carseat set inside their crib. That helped a lot because it kept their head elevated.
Hi D., I would suggest calling the telephone number on the can,because they know their product. that way you will be safe and they will tell you the proper way of thawing it out as well.so there is no bacteria. good luck.
It is fine, but the way you thaw it does matter, and if you are going to freeze it, then do it in the size container with the amounts you will use in one setting you don't want to thaw all of it, and refreeze it, that will cause a bacterial problem. Otherwise, freezing is ok. Also, make sure you use containers that are freezer safe.
A.
Freezing formula decreased the nutritional content of the formula. Can you use powdered formula? That way you can mix it up only 2 oz at a time and you won't waste any.
As far as reflux, my son had it really bad. His doctor had us put a pillow under the head of his mattress in the crib so that he was sleeping with his head up. You'll need to put a rolled blanket under the bum so she doesn't slide down to the bottom of the crib. Also we used the Enfamil AR formula that has rice flour in it. It is for babies who spit up a lot. It decreased the spit up quite a bit. I mainly breastfeed him, but gave him that formula when he needed it.
T.
